Murdered millionaire 'linked to crime gangs'

Detectives are to question members of the criminal underworld after a millionaire businessman was gunned down outside his home.

Police believe Daniel Blackett was targeted by a professional hitman who shot him three times in the heart in his garden. The 36-year-old was preparing for a night out with his partner in Thorpe Green, near Virginia Water, Surrey, when he was killed.

Neighbours said Mr Blackett was known for his links to criminal gangs and raised questions about how he had earned his fortune.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "He was involved in a lot of things he shouldn't have been, and I'm not surprised to hear about this.

"I would describe him loosely as an entrepreneur, but it is safe to say the police will not be losing a lot of sleep over his death. He was a charismatic and loving father but he seems to have paid the price for what he got up to." The shooting took place at about 8pm on Saturday in the five-acre grounds of Blissland Lodge, a mile from the Wentworth estate where Bruce Forsyth and golfer Ernie Els live.

Mr Blackett's young daughter and 11-year-old son were in the house at the time, along with their grandmother and the victim's partner, Nicola. On hearing shots she ran outside to find Mr Blackett lying on the ground near the garage with chest wounds.

Police launched a search involving a helicopter and tracker dogs but failed to find the gunman.

Mr Blackett, formerly of Wraysbury in Berkshire, is believed to have moved to the area about two years ago and had applied for planning permission to build his "dream home" on the estate.